Southport woman learns to speak and eat again after cancer trial

Sandie Griffin lived on meal replacement drinks while reintroducing soft foods

A grandmother who had to learn to speak and eat again after cancer treatment said it was a "small price to pay for my life".

Sandie Griffin, 72, from Southport, was diagnosed with throat cancer in June 2020 but is now in remission after taking part in a clinical trial.

She is now urging others to back a campaign that helped save her life.

"Success stories like mine would not be possible without research into better and kinder treatments," she said.

The retired Job Centre manager was sitting having breakfast one morning when she noticed a small lump on the side of her neck.

By the following week it had grown in size, so she went to see her GP.

She was diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma - a type of head and neck cancer commonly known as throat cancer - following tests.

Mrs Griffin lives with her husband Mike, 67, and 21-year-old granddaughter River

"It was such a shock when they said it was cancer. I couldn't believe it," she said.

"And it was so hard being totally alone [due to Covid-19 restrictions], without any of my loved ones with me.

"But it definitely made me braver, I had no choice, I had no-one to cry to."

Her treatment included a nine-hour operation at Aintree University Hospital, which involved the removal of lymph nodes in her neck and laser treatment on her tongue.

Afterwards she couldn't eat solid foods for several weeks and had to learn to speak and eat again, before signing up for the PATHOS trial, which involved six weeks of radiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

"I still find it hard to swallow certain foods, but it's all a small price to pay for my life," she said.

Mrs Griffin pictured ringing the bell to mark the end of her treatment

After finding out she was in remission in July 2021, Mrs Griffin said she was now determined to raise awareness, and to show that cancer can be diagnosed early.

"It doesn't have to be a death sentence. That's why I'm lending my heartfelt support to this vitally important campaign," she added.

"Now is the moment for everyone across Southport to Stand Up To Cancer."

The trial was funded by Stand Up To Cancer - a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

Mrs Griffin hopes her story will inspire people to raise money to help make the next cancer breakthrough happen.